Unborn should be protected by insurance and benefits, says SPUC

London, 30 September 2002--The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), the world's first pro-life lobbying and educational organisation, has applauded the US administration for declaring that pregnant women and their unborn children are eligible to receive state health insurance.

SPUC general secretary Paul Tully commented: "From the moment of his or her conception, an unborn child is fully human and equally deserving of access to health and social care, and insurance and benefit systems must recognise this. Pregnant women, too, need all the protection society can afford, because we know that women in pregnancy are particularly vulnerable."

Mr.Tully continued: "The British government should follow this courageous lead given by the US administration, and acknowledge the rights and needs of unborn children from the moment of conception.

"We also call upon the British government to adopt the proposal made before the last general election for pregnant women to be made eligible to receive child benefit, to help ensure safe and healthy pregnancies for low-income mothers", Mr. Tully concluded.